Greek landing day next weekend

The 242nd anniversary of Greek Landing Day will be celebrated here with a variety of special activities June 25 and 26 planned at the Avero House, home of the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, 41 St George St.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese opened the doors of the reconstructed Avero House in 1982. It was restored in honor and memory of the 500 Greeks who arrived with the Turnbull expedition, in St Augustine, on June 26, 1768. They and all those who came to America in search of a better life, contributing richly to the fabric of this country, are commemorated on this day.

A free youth program, "Greeks in St. Augustine, Come and See," will be held 9:30 to 11 June 25. Children 5-14 years of age are encouraged to sign up as space limits participation to 30. Breakfast is included at one of the six activity stations highlighting specific historical and cultural facets of Greeks in St. Augustine.

Supplications to the Virgin Mary will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m June 25; Great Vespers followed by the Blessing of the Five Loaves will be held at 5:30 p.m. that day. Orthros and Divine Liturgy, followed by a Memorial Service, will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. June 26.

A party in Greek is called a glendi. Its components include food, music and dancing. This year's glendi will be held 6 to 9 p.m. June 25 and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 26. Admission is free. The Rev. George Ioannou will give tours of the Shrine. He is the Shrine chaplain and parish priest of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in St. Augustine.

St. Photios Shrine is a living memorial where we witness the Orthodox Christian faith and promote the Hellenic culture. Call the Shrine at 829-8205 for further details.